In a televised speech, Chavez told his audience: “A campaign of lies is being spun together regarding Libya. I’m not going to condemn him. I’d be a coward to condemn someone who has been my friend,” the
Associated Press reports.
Chavez is calling for an international committee of mediators be sent to Libya to help bring about a peaceful solution to the country’s violent protests.
“Instead of sending Marines and tanks and planes, why don't we send a goodwill commission to try to help so that they do not continue
killing in Libya? They are our brothers,” Chavez said in the state-run televised speech, according to
CNN.
Chavez and Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi have a relationship based in part on their shared opposition to US influence across the globe.
“We must be cautious. We know what our policy is: We do not support invasions, or massacres, or anything, no matter who does it. But there is no doubt that, regarding Libya, a campaign of lies is being woven -- the same that has been woven about Venezuela for a long time,” Chavez added, CNN reports.
“Let's not get carried away by the drums of war, because the United States, I am sure that they are exaggerating and distorting things to justify an invasion,” Chavez said, CNN notes.
The close relationship between Chavez and Gadhafi has caused Venezuela’s opposition to become highly critical of Chavez and his failure to distance the country from Gadhafi’s strong-arm tactics in the Libyan conflict. A coalition of political parties opposing Chavez issued a statement on Monday, saying his inability to denounce the violence in Libya could tarnish Venezuela’s image.
“By distancing himself from the numerous nations that condemn the criminal actions of the Libyan leader, Chavez makes our country out to be his defender and irresponsibly puts us alongside governments rejected by the international community,” the coalition statement said, according to the AP.
